Senator Barbara Anne Washington's Legislative Column
Friday, July 21, 2023
- Week of July 21, 2023
Happy Friday neighbors! I’m grateful you have taken the time to read my column. While there is not much to report on in Jefferson City with all the business of the 2023 legislative session coming to a close with the governor’s signatures, I have several community events to share. Please post these images on your social media channels so we can reach as many people as possible. I look forward to visiting with you and listening to your concerns and ideas for our community, starting tomorrow at the 10th Annual Mental Health Awareness Event, “Brunch with Bebe’s Sisters.”
MAJOR Grants Program Now Accepting Applications
Another opportunity to support mental health is participating in the Missouri Humanities Mental Health MAJOR Grants program. Nonprofit, civic, educational and cultural organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in funding to implement a humanities-minded project. The submission deadline is Aug. 1, so visit the website on the image below, call 314-781-9660 or email clarice@mohumanities.org for more information.
Come for the Snow, Stay for the Mow
The Missouri Department of Transportation is now hiring individuals who are interested in a career to “come for the snow, stay for the mow” and keep Missouri’s roadways safe. Click here to see the job postings and find out how to apply. MODOT will be hosting a Career Fair to recruit full-time maintenance workers at its Lee’s Summit Maintenance Facility on July 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm. Onsite drug testing, background checks, physicals and potential job offers will be available.
Back-to-School Events
Senator Washington’s Sponsored Legislation for 2023
Bill Number | Description | Status |
Modifies provisions relating to certification of juveniles for trial as adults. | TAFP in SB 189 | |
Creates new provisions on discriminatory practices relating to hair. | Passed out of committee 4/5. | |
Authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of certain homes. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Authorizes a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Authorizes a tax credit for providing services to homeless persons. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Creates a Text-to-Donate program for homeless services in certain cities. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Authorizes a tax credit for providing housing to victims of domestic violence. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Creates a pilot program for incarcerated mothers to have access to their children. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Creates the offense of unlawful possession of a handgun. | Referred to Transportation | |
Establishes the “Cronkite New Voices Act” to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media. | Placed on perfection calendar. | |
Creates provisions relating to firearms. | Referred to Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety | |
Modifies provisions relating to concealed firearms. | Referred to Transportation | |
Modifies provisions relating to medical marijuana program participants in family court matters. | Hearing conducted 4/5. | |
Creates provisions relating to reporting requirements of law enforcement agencies. | Referred to Transportation | |
Modifies provisions relating to use of force by law enforcement officers. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to restitution for individuals who are actually innocent. | Referred to Judiciary, combined with SB 253 | |
Modifies provisions relating to criminal records. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to expungement. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to earned discharge from probation. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Creates new provisions relating to state contracts for minority and women’s business enterprises. | Referred to Governmental Accountability | |
Creates a DWI diversion program. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board. | Hearing conducted 4/12 | |
Modifies provisions relating to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. | Referred to Education and Workforce Development | |
Creates provisions relating to parole eligibility. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to terms of probation. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Authorizes a tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Modifies provisions relating to the certification of juveniles for trial as adults. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to offenses against employees of election authorities. | Referred to Local Government | |
Modifies provisions relating to legal representation for certain court proceedings involving children. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Modifies provisions relating to the offense of filing false documents. | Referred to Judiciary | |
Enacts provisions relating to health insurance coverage of maternity services. | Referred to Insurance and Banking | |
Establishes standards for demographic data collection by certain entities. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Creates a health advocate program in the Department of Health and Senior Services. | Referred to Health and Welfare | |
Enacts provisions relating to motor vehicle sales tax payment plans. | Referred to Transportation | |
Modifies provisions relating to tax increment financing. | Referred to Economic Development | |
Relates to voter registration. | Referred to Local Government | |
Apologizes for the State of Missouri’s role in slavery. | Referred to Rules | |
Places limits on increases of the assessment of certain properties. | Referred to General Laws | |
Exempts from taxation real and personal property of citizens over the age of 65. | Referred to General Laws |
It is an honor representing the great people of Kansas City’s 9th Senatorial District. If you need assistance navigating state government or understanding the legislative process, please contact me by calling 573-751-3158 or emailing Barbara.Washington@senate.mo.gov. My team is here for you!